Funding · Consumer Internet & Media
Nodwin gaming plans large fundraise for ipo
By Startup Enthusiast ·
- Date
- Company
- NODWIN Gaming
- What it does
- Live youth media and gaming company
- Kind
- Funding
- Amount
- $100-200 Mn
- Stage
- Series C
- Founded
- 2015
What they do
NODWIN Gaming is a live youth media company focused on esports and entertainment
What happened
The firm plans to raise $100-200 Mn through primary and secondary funding rounds
Why it matters
Founder Akshat Rathee targets an IPO soon as the company aims to monetize stakes
The details
- NODWIN Gaming plans to raise between $100-200 Mn in new capital.
- This funding will include both primary shares and secondary sales of existing stock.
- Founder Akshat Rathee stated the goal is to go public via an IPO as soon as possible.
- The company reported an EBITDA profit of Rs 21 crore for the fiscal year 2026.
- This marks a turnaround from a Rs 14 crore EBITDA loss recorded in FY25.
- Majority investor Nazara Technologies holds approximately 46-47% of NODWIN's stake after recent changes.
- Nazara intends to monetize its non-core holdings to focus on its primary gaming business.
- NODWIN has written off Rs 50 crore in goodwill linked to past acquisitions like OML assets.
The bigger picture
- The shift from loss to profit signals improved operational efficiency for the gaming arm.
- Parent company Nazara seeks to sharpen its focus on core segments by divesting peripheral assets.
- The planned IPO indicates confidence in the company's valuation and future cash flows.
- Secondary sales allow early investors to exit while the company raises fresh growth capital.
About the business
- NODWIN positions itself as a live youth media company with gaming at its center.
- It operates across esports, gaming content creation, and youth entertainment sectors.
- The firm manages creator-led intellectual properties and organizes major live events.
- Notable events include Comic Con and the NH7 Weekender music festival.
- Founded in 2015, the company started with esports before expanding internationally.
- Core business organic growth reached 25-35% during the fiscal year 2026.
- The company also runs adtech businesses which are part of its divestment strategy.
- International expansion was achieved through strategic acquisitions and partnerships over the years.
- Revenue streams likely include event ticketing, sponsorships, and digital content monetization.
What happens next
- NODWIN Gaming aims to complete its fundraising round soon.
- The company plans to list on the stock exchange via an IPO.
- Management intends to divest esports and adtech businesses as part of strategy.
The deal
- Type
- Fundraise
Investors
- Nazara Technologies (existing) — Holds majority stake acquired in 2018; currently owns ~46-47%.
Founders
- Akshat Rathee, Founder
- Gautam Virk, Co-founder
More on NODWIN Gaming
- Nodwin Gaming acquires esports organiser StarLadder21 September 2026 · Acquisition · $5.5 million (Rs 46.75 crore)
- NODWIN Gaming launches NODWIN Sports division15 September 2026 · Launch
- NODWIN Gaming reports Q1 revenue of ₹116 crore4 August 2026 · Results
- NODWIN Gaming appoints Teemu Koski as CEO of its MENA operations16 July 2026 · People
- NODWIN Gaming appoints Manish Agarwal as director14 April 2026 · People
- NODWIN Gaming targets $100m pre-IPO raise14 April 2026 · Funding · $100 million
- Sidharth Kedia returns as strategy chief at NODWIN Gaming1 April 2026 · People
- NODWIN Gaming plans $100 Mn pre-IPO round1 April 2026 · Roundup · $100 Mn
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